Michelin starred chefs are few and far between. Because the Michelin star system is so exclusive, and the standards are so high, not many restaurants or people have ever received the award.
Restaurants can receive one, two, or three Michelin stars, but even to get one is a major accomplishment that takes years of preparation and practice.
These chefs have been cooking for decades and studied at the finest culinary schools in the world. Many of them have made food for some of the world’s most famous people, and some of them have even become famous themselves. Each of these chefs use only the best equipment available for their art, and today we are going to discuss what pans do Michelin chefs use.
Table Of Contents:
What Pans Do Michelin Chefs Use?
When it comes to their equipment and cookware, Michelin chefs only use the best of the best. Sometimes, when you’re trying to build up your cookware collection, it can be tempting to spend money on cheaper and more affordable cookware. However, it’s important to think about longevity and spending money on things that are going to last.
1) Carbon Steel
While they are still a recent addition to restaurants around the world, many Michelin star chefs use carbon steel pans, especially in high-end French restaurants. Because the metal alloy is mostly iron, these pans can withstand an extreme amount of heat. This makes them perfect for searing and sauteing. Carbon steel is also lighter than most other pans out there.
However, carbon steel pans are not perfect. Chefs do not recommend using them to cook acidic dishes, so no tomatoes or lemons, or anything with a high acidity should be used with carbon steel pans. Even so, many Michelin chefs use them to cook their dishes.
2) Stainless Steel
Another popular choice for frying pans is stainless steel. These pans can withstand incredibly high heat and do not rust. They are also incredibly easy to clean, which makes them a very popular choice with many Michelin chefs. However, these chefs often opt for the thicker stainless steel pans as the lighter ones are not quite as durable as the thicker ones.
Stainless steel is also a great option when it comes to large pots, which many Michelin star chefs use to create soups, stocks, and other liquid-based dishes. They’re a staple in every professional kitchen. Stainless steel is light and easy to clean, which makes it perfect to use in the kitchen. It’s also durable and long-lasting, and it’s the choice of many chefs worldwide.
3) Ceramic Pots And Pans
Ceramic pots and pans also have many uses. Contrary to popular belief, ceramic cookware is not fragile and does not break easily. Ceramic pots and pans are made with a metal base and then coated with several layers of ceramic to ensure durability.
Ceramic is a choice for many chefs because it’s easy to clean, long-lasting, and can withstand very high heat. However, you should not use metal utensils with ceramic pots and pans because they can scratch and damage the non-stick protective layer.
This is true for all cookware that has a nonstick layer built into the pan. Try using a wooden spoon instead, that way your pots and pans will last longer and be more effective in your kitchen.
back to menu ↑
What Cookware Do Chefs Recommend?
Not all cookware is created equal, and it can be hard to find high-quality pieces that work for you and your kitchen. However, the best way to find out about cookware is to go straight to the source. Here is a list of a few great pieces that answer the question – what pans do chefs use?
Smithey Cast Iron Skillet: Though it is a bit pricey, this pan is a favorite because it provides a wonderfully smooth cooking surface. Plus, cast iron is long-lasting and can tolerate extremely high heat. However, if not cared for properly, cast iron can rust, so it must be cared for.
Curtis Stone Cookware: These pans are easy to clean and easy to organize, and they make life so much easier for those who enjoy cooking at home but want something of professional quality.
Ballarini Professionale Nonstick Fry Pan: With an aluminum exterior, these fry pans are great for everyday cooking. They’re easy to clean, can withstand high heat, and they’re even safe for the oven.
Revol French Porcelain Baking Dishes: Performing similarly to ceramic or cast iron roasting pans, these porcelain baking dishes are a great addition to any kitchen. They are safe to use at up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit, and they’re perfect for cooking casseroles.
If you love the smell and taste of crackling bacon, look no further than this list of the best pans for frying bacon.
back to menu ↑
What Is a Michelin Star Chef?
A Michelin star chef is a chef whose skills have been thoroughly evaluated and has earned an award saying that he or she is the best of the best. Receiving Michelin stars is considered one of the biggest and most prestigious awards in the culinary world.
Michelin star chefs are the most talented chefs and have no doubt spent years training at some of the best culinary schools in the world, learning from the best as they go.
To receive Michelin stars, a chef must be evaluated by reviewers. The reviewers remain completely anonymous, and they evaluate everything that the restaurant provides: the atmosphere, the service, and the food, of course. Although Michelin stars are awarded to the establishment or restaurant receiving the award, the head chef is honored as well.
back to menu ↑
History of Michelin Star Chefs
The Michelin star award system started all the way back in 1900. The Michelin Company wanted to entice people to take road trips through France. This is the same Michelin Company that makes Michelin Tires. To encourage people to take these road trips, they provided a detailed guide raking gas stations, hotels, and restaurants all throughout the country.
Originally, these Michelin Guides were small, red books with lots of information regarding hotels, gas stations, and restaurants all throughout France. At first, they were completely free and came at no cost. However, one day in 1920, when Andre Michelin visited one of his Michelin tire shops, he saw a stack of Michelin Guides being used to prop up a workbench.
After that, Andre decided that “man only truly respects what he pays for,” and the Michelin Company began to charge for the Guides. Several years later in 1926, the Michelin Company began to evaluate fine dining establishments and mark them with a single star, so that they stood out in the guide.
However, in 1936, the Guide incorporated a hierarchy within the star system. Fine dining restaurants could receive zero, one, two, or three Michelin stars, and the number of stars would depend on the quality of the food.
Now, almost a century later, the Michelin Company still evaluates restaurants. However, they still have never published or fully disclosed their criteria for how they evaluate these restaurants and fine dining establishments.
Even so, it’s safe to say that they evaluate the restaurants on several levels: cooking techniques, presentation, value, consistency, quality, and flavor, as well as a unique personality within each dish and creation. Still world-famous, the Michelin Guide now evaluates 40,000 restaurants across three different continents and has sold over 30 million copies since the beginning.
back to menu ↑
How Many Michelin Chefs Are There?
Despite the fact that the Michelin star award system is famous all around the world, there are not very many chefs given the award every year. Every chef can be awarded one, two, or three Michelin stars. One star is for very good food; two stars are awarded for excellent food, and three stars are awarded for exquisite food.
As of right now, there are about 2,500 restaurants with one Michelin star, around 500 restaurants with 2 Michelin stars, and about 150 restaurants awarded 3 Michelin stars in the entire world. Of course, this number changes every year as new people are awarded Michelin stars. Even so, it remains an elusive society and perhaps the most coveted award in the culinary world.
back to menu ↑
Conclusion
There are many different kinds of cookware, and finding the right cookware for you and your kitchen can be a difficult task. However, a good question to ask yourself is what pans do Michelin chefs use?
Carbon steel, stainless steel, and ceramic are great choices for your cookware at home. Beloved because of their ability to withstand high heat while being easy to clean, these materials are the choice of many chefs across the world — including Michelin star chefs.
Michelin star restaurants and chefs are simply the best of the best, and they have a very storied history throughout the world. Michelin star chefs earned that title for a reason, so the next time you need to add some new cookware to your kitchen, consider asking, “What pans do Michelin chefs use?”
Shanny
Shanny not only has an exceptional understanding of the foodie mindset and how nutrition works, she has also achieved her Master’s Degree in Education. Outside of her academic achievements, she loves writing food blogs. It's so much more than a list of meals though! Shanny creates helpful cookware guides and delicious recipes that are easy to follow. She does all of this as a food blog writer because she loves it. That's why she spends lots of time testing out different recipes in her own home. She truly is a one-of-a-kind foodie, from her home to yours - with a story to tell, new recipes to indulge in and new tips to tantalize those tastebuds.
